Samantha’s back on the run
MUM TAKING ON GREAT NORTH RUN FOR A CHARITY CLOSE TO HER HEART
A Sunderland mum is taking a stand against liver disease by tackling the Great North Run tomorrow to raise money for the British Liver Trust.
Samantha McDonald hopes to raise £500 and boost awareness for a cause that is close to her heart.
She says: “In 2014, I ran the Yorkshire Marathon in memory of my mother-inlaw, Jane McDonald, who sadly passed away from liver disease.
“I didn’t realise that a few years later this terrible disease would affect someone else close to me, one of my closest friend’s daughter.”
The 30-year-old has been friends with Louise Jacques, who lives in Hull, since they worked together 12 year’s ago.
Last year, Louise’s daughter Alice was diagnosed with acute liver failure when she was just 13 months old.
Samantha said: “With only a 20% chance of survival, her parents prepared themyear selves for the absolute worst outcome, something no parent should ever have to think about.
“Thankfully, a liver donor became available and Alice was able to have a life-saving transplant. Now, almost one since her operation, Alice is doing fantastic and continues to amaze everybody every day, always with a beautiful smile on her face. She’s an absolute superstar!”
The mum-of-one has taken part in the challenge before, but took a three-year break after daughter Imogen, now aged two, was born.
Audrey Cornelius, fundraising manager at Liver Trust, said: “It’s down to the generosity of our supporters that we are able to continue raising vital funds to support our work.”
To sponsor Samantha visit her JustGiving page online: https://runblt.everydayhero. com/uk/samantha.